2009 Supreme Book of Ceremonies – Section E

CEREMONIES FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS

EASTER SERVICE

During the Opening and first part of the meeting, Bethel Officers assume their stations. When it is time
for the ceremony, Officers will retire from room. Guide and Marshal pick up Officers on each side by marching
through Messengers’ semicircle, and then to East Line, turning north and south, to sidelines, marching out of
room. Officers re-enter Bethel Room singing “The Old Rugged Cross.” The Honored Queen and the Guide
lead off going to opposite sides of Guide and Marshal’s stations and fifth Messenger’s Chair, forming a single
line in the semicircle. Honored Queen, leading line continues east and Guide remains standing in front of Cross,
which has been placed just west of Altar. Other Officers form Cross, entering line alternately. To form arms of
Cross, Senior Princess turns left at Fifth Messenger’s station, followed by Inner Guard and Senior Custodian;
Junior Princess turns right, followed by Outer Guard and Junior Custodian. When Officers are in position,
Honored Queen proceeds with Ceremony.
HONORED QUEEN: Today in our world of hurry and bustle, of speed and noise, of hope and
despair, the Cross of Jesus Christ seems very far away. Easter is the season in which we draw again to
the Cross and remember especially the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord. This evening has been
set aside in order that we, in our Bethel, might turn again to the Cross. Let us listen while our Daughters
tell the story of Easter.
Each Daughter, as her turn comes waits until preceding Daughter is on sideline walking to station, then
steps up to the Cross, tells her story, puts white flower in Cross, steps to side, walks to Altar Line, turns, walks
to sideline and hence to station. Daughters take alternate sides right or left according to plates.
GUIDE: Almost two hundred years ago there lived in Galilee a man whose name was Jesus. He
was a meek and humble man who knew no sin. He went about healing the sick and performing miracles.
He taught the people of the love of God and claimed to be his son.
MARSHAL: The church leaders and many other people openly hated Jesus, and many times
sought to kill him. He was rejected by his own townspeople. But a great crowd of people did follow Him,
and obeyed His teachings, because they believed He had the words of eternal life
FIRST MESSENGER: On the first day of unleavened bread, Jesus gathered with the Disciples in
an upper room to celebrate the Passover. When He had given thanks He took the bread and wine and
blessed them and gave them to his Disciples. Then He said “one of you will betray me.”
THIRD MESSENGER: After they had sung a hymn they went out to the Mount of Olives and into
the Garden of Gethsemane. While Jesus prayed there, Judas (one of the twelve), came with a great crowd
of soldiers and priests. He approached Jesus and kissed Him, thereby betraying the Lord.
SECOND MESSENGER: Straightaway in the morning, the Council of Scribes and Elders was
held. They declared Jesus was guilty, so He was taken to Pontius Pilate for trial. Pilate decided Jesus
should be whipped and then released, but the crowds continued to cry out, “Crucify him.” So Pilate
delivered Jesus into their hands that they might crucify Him.
FOURTH MESSENGER: (Placing a crown of thorns on Cross, not a flower.) The soldiers took Him
away and placed a cloak of purple upon His shoulders and a crown of thorns on His head, and they
mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews.” Then they led him away to be crucified.
FIFTH MESSENGER: They brought Him to a place called Golgotha, which means “the place of a
skull” and here they crucified him together with two thieves, one on his right, one on his left. There
hanging from the Cross, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
LIBRARIAN: Even then they continued to mock him, saying “If thou be King of the Jews, save
thyself,” and they placed a sign above his head which read “King of Jews.”
RECORDER: Suddenly darkness came upon the earth, and after the third hour Jesus cried aloud,
“My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?” Thinking He was thirsty, they gave him vinegar to
drink. Then Jesus cried, “It is finished; Father into Thy hands I commend my spirit.” And He gave up
the ghost.

E-1
2009 Supreme Book of Ceremonies – Section E

MUSICIAN: In the evening a rich man called Joseph of Arimethea came and took the body of
Jesus from the Cross and with Nicodemus, wrapped it in linen with myrth and spices and placed it in a
sepulchre. They rested the next day as it was the Sabbath.
TREASURER: Early on the first day of the week the women came to the tomb, bringing spices
and ointments, but they found the stone rolled away and the body of Jesus gone.
SENIOR CUSTODIAN: And an angel appeared to them saying, “Why seek ye Jesus here? He is
risen.” So they returned and told these things to the Disciples. The Disciples, however, would not believe
and ran to see for themselves. They found indeed that Jesus had risen from the dead.
Custodians walk directly to their stations. Junior Custodian waits until Senior Custodian reaches her
station before she steps up. Similarly the Princesses later.
JUNIOR CUSTODIAN: In the next forty days before His ascension, Jesus appeared to them in
many ways. To Thomas, who would not believe until he saw the wounds, Jesus said, “Because ye have
seen me ye have believed. Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed.”
Last five Officers: Inner Guard, Outer Guard, Chaplain, and Princesses, wait in their positions until
Honored Queen has spoken.
HONORED QUEEN: My friends, you have heard the story of Easter, so seemingly tragic at the
trial and crucifixion, yet in reality gloriously triumphant through the resurrection, which signifies
consecration, for Jesus was made the sacrifice for our sins by His death on Calvary. Let us tonight, bring
gifts of consecration to Him. Our remaining Officers will, on our behalf, present them at the Cross.
OUTER GUARD: Jesus used all his intellect and strength to preach the Gospel of Life. And so I
bring my strength, both physical and mental, and consecrate it to his service.
INNER GUARD: Just as Jesus sacrificed his all on Calvary, not only His life, but everything He
possessed, so tonight I bring my possessions and lay them at His feet.
Princesses have purple flowers and place them at extremes of arms of Cross.
JUNIOR PRINCESS: Jesus prayed, “not my will, but Thine, be done.” So I consecrate my will to
Him that His will, not mine be done.
SENIOR PRINCESS: Just as Jesus gave his life that we might live, so I bring my life and place it
at the Cross that He might use it as He wills.
Chaplain does not have flowers. She steps up and goes to north of Altar, then to east of Altar, and
kneels. Daughters assume Attitude of Prayer with Chaplain.
CHAPLAIN: Dear Lord, our loving Savior, we thank You that You were willing to die upon the
Cross for us because you loved us and that you rose again to give us eternal life. We pray that we might
love You more day by day and gladly give our lives for Your service. Through Jesus’ name, Amen.
Chaplain returns to her station
HONORED QUEEN: It is the Cross of Jesus Christ that we see in its divine form. Jesus died
because He loved us. So tonight bring the Crown of Roses, the rose, a symbol of love and the crown, a
symbol of kingship to signify our love for Him and willingness to serve Him as King.
Honored Queen leaves East, goes west of Altar, stands in front of Cross, removes crown of thorns and
places crown of roses on Cross, returns to station. Choir may sing, “Crown Him with Many Crowns,” or other
suitable music or hymn. A Cross may be formed east of the Altar during the hymn.

JOB’S DAUGHTERS FRATERNAL PAGEANT

SUGGESTIONS:
This ceremony is most adaptable. It can be given by one or more Bethels. Formation of emblems may
be arranged to fit available floor space. No Altar is necessary. One or more Narrators may be used.
If this is to be an evening’s entertainment with no formal opening of any organization, the evening could
be opened with a Master of Ceremonies, preferably a Mason, either the Master or a Past Master. It would honor
Masonry in having a Master or Past Master to present the Narrators during the evening.

E-2
2009 Supreme Book of Ceremonies – Section E

It is desirable to: have a Master Mason or Associate Bethel Guardian give the narration during the
formation of the Masonic Emblem; have an Eastern Star member be narrator for the Eastern Star Emblem; have,
if possible, a mature member of Job’s Daughters narrate for the Job’s Daughters’ Emblem. She should be one
experienced in giving readings. It is also desirable to have a Job’s Daughter narrate for the closing (unless one
narrator is used during the whole evening.)
The Tribute to the Job’s Daughters’ Flag should be memorized and presented by a Job’s Daughter.
Daughters wear Official Regalia.
To make the Star more colorful, a band of ribbon or crepe paper in Star Point colors may be fastened on
right shoulder across the front to waistline under left arm.
Approximate time for the ceremony is forty minutes.
Musician plays march music as Daughters enter, forming Square and Compass. Soft music may be
played during reading. Lights semi-dimmed.

HONORING MASONS:
NARRATOR: The history of Masonry dates back to the time before the Christian era. In the
middle of the Seventeenth Century, a group of skilled architects banded themselves together for the
protection of their craft and the prosperity of their skills. They were the first “Master Masons”, creators
of the magnificent edifices of the medieval period of Cathedral building in Europe. They worked under
their own government, traveling from place to place as work required.
Some years later, in 1702, a London, England, lodge decided to open the doors of Masonry to men
unskilled in architecture. As the demand for operative skill decreased, the lofty moral principles, noble
deeds and manly virtues of those who were already members, attracted to this society men of prominence
in Church and State, whose higher character and fine attainments had made them distinguished. This is
the origin of Free Masonry as we know it today.
Persecuted by Church and State because of its successful effort to promote free thinking and lofty
ideals, its history pages are smeared with the blood of martyrs who gave their lives that this Order
survive. Its history also has many gilded pages covered with the records of deeds well done, of bonded
men set free, and of mercy and good-will to all mankind.
A writer of authority on the subject of Masonry tells us that the great secret of this Order is that it
makes men aware of the divine within them. A Mason’s whole life takes its beauty and meaning from this
diving spark and inspires him to follow and obey it. This same writer says, “a man is a Mason, when he
can look out over the rivers, the hills, and the far horizon with a profound sense of his own littleness in the
vast scheme of things, and yet have faith, hope and courage which is the root of every virtue.”
This quotation from “The Veil of Isis” by Winwood Reade, is a revelation of the high ideals of this
great Masonic Order that we revere and honor. Full lights here.
“The doctrines of Masonry are the most beautiful that are possible to imagine. They breathe the
simplicity of the earliest ages, animated by the love of a martyred God. That word which Puritans
translated charity, but which is really love, is the keystone which supports the entire edifice of this mystic
science. Love one another, teach one another, help one another. This is all our doctrine, all our science,
all our law. We have no narrow-minded prejudices; we do not debar from our society this sect or that
sect; it is sufficient for us that man worships God no matter under what name or in what manner. It is
impossible to be a good Mason without being a good man.”
Here we have formed the Square and Compass, symbolic emblems of this exalted Order, to which
the youth assembled this evening owe their heritage. We exalt it, honor it. We are proud of its victories
over bitter persecution, we are grateful for its triumph over the snares of time.
Solo: “How Firm A Foundation”. March music for Daughters to retire.

HONORING EASTERN STAR:

Musician plays march music as Daughters enter to form a star. Soft music may be played during
reading. Lights semi-dimmed as girls enter, then raised later.

E-3
2009 Supreme Book of Ceremonies – Section E

NARRATOR: Women are no part of the Masonic Order. But woman’s heart does beat
responsively to the same inspiration that prompts man to noble deeds, and out of this desire to serve in a
like manner and the human desire for fraternal fellowship came the banding together of women of
Masonic relationship known as The Order of the Eastern Star.
This glorious star, significant of the Star of Bethlehem which heralded the coming of the Light of
all Lights, has in less than a century shed its rays of light into all parts of the world. Its dignity and
beauty as a fraternal order is respected and revered by Masons and laymen alike. (Lights bright here.)

Oh great and glorious Eastern Star whose light has shed both near and far
To bless and comfort young and old, Yea, light their path to a sheltered fold, we honor thee. here

Your ray of blue has taught us too that God loves us as fathers do.
Fidelity in each kindred soul is the valued lesson by the blue ray told.

The golden light of the second ray

has changed the outlook of many a day,

Here we recall that labor brings love,

the reward of labor sent from above.
Constancy of purpose be it humble or great
is blessed with companionship, a joy to relate.

Loyalty shines from the pure ray of white

and loyalty pierces the darkness of night.
It demands allegiance to family and friend,
to Nation, to God, to the World, without end.
Loyalty is the lesson on our hearts we must write
if God is to guide us in the pathway of right.

Green pastures mean growth and new life on the earth

for good Eastern Stars, green symbolizes rebirth.
The green of the fourth ray is the hope of all men
for it tells by its story, “We shall live again.”

The red of the fifth ray is the symbol of love,

mother love, Fraternal love, the love from above
That God in His Fatherhood gives to each one,
who seeks but to know Him and His Blessed Son.

Yes, Glorious Order of the Eastern Star,

we pay you just tribute, for nothing can bar
The light of your good deeds, your teachings of faith,
the gifts of fine women to country and state,
This star of your Daughters is our tribute to you,
with our respect and honor, in all that we do.

In loving tribute one of our Daughters sings: (“the Lord is My Light”. March music for Daughters to
retire.)

E-4
2009 Supreme Book of Ceremonies – Section E

HONORING THE ORDER OF THE AMARANTH:

NARRATOR: The Order of the Amaranth has a royal ancestry, being founded upon and
descended from an order created by Queen Christina of Sweden in 1653. This brilliant young woman
who became queen of her warlike nation at the age of six, devoted her life to promoting, learning and the
fine arts.
Christina created an Order of the Amaranth to honor Lady Amaranth, a woman of rare beauty,
charm and virtuous and noble character. For many years the Order was immensely popular throughout
Europe, and the most distinguished ladies and gentlemen considered themselves honored by being made
members of the Order. During Christina’s reign, the Order was supported with royal pomp, dignity, and
magnificence by the ladies and knights of Royal Court.
The Order of the Amaranth appeared again in France when the Lodges of Adoption were
organized about 1730, each of which was under the control of a Masonic Lodge.
The Supreme Council of the Order of the Amaranth was formally organized in New York City in
1873 by Robert McCoy, a 33rd Degree Mason, assisted by Robert Morris and several other prominent
Masons. Their original intent was to have Amaranth as the third degree in an organization for ladies
with Masonic affiliation, but in 1921 this idea was changed and the Order of the Amaranth became a
distinct, independent organization. The Supreme Council of the Order of the Amaranth of the World
draws its membership direct from Masonic families, receiving wives, mothers, widows, sisters, half-
sisters, daughters, granddaughters, step-daughters, and adopted daughters of Master Masons in good
standing.
The teachings of the Order of the Amaranth are eternal and its stately ceremonies impress upon
us our duty to our God, to our country, and to one another. The ideals of home, friendship, and
hospitality, the impressive lessons of truth, faith, wisdom, and charity, and devotion to the flag of our
country, encourage highest standards of conduct and honorable actions.
The leaves of the amaranth plant are indicative of distinction and honor. When formed into the
“Amaranthine” wreath with its never-ending circle, they symbolize the bond of fraternal friendship
which encircles our beloved Order. Centered on the Standard of the Order is the Amaranthine Wreath
encircling the Crown and the Sword, emblems of royalty and power which united symbolize unity and
strength.

HONORING WHITE SHRINE OF JERUSALEM:

NARRATOR: The ritual of the Order of the White Shrine of Jerusalem is founded upon the birth
and life of Christ. Its teachings are scriptural and intended to illustrate and impress upon the minds of
the initiates, the humble but glorious birth and life of Him who trod the winepress of life alone.
The mission of the Order is to uphold the simple religion of Christ and further His gospel of
“peace and good will upon the earth,” to do noble deeds, and by acts of kindness and words of cheer,
make the world a better and brighter place for him or her, who, in the hour of sorrow or affliction sees
nothing but darkness. There is but one degree and the obligation is based upon the honor of those who
obtain it, and once voluntarily assumed, is perpetual. The emblems are the star, the Cross, and the
shepherd’s crook.
The beautiful story related by the three wise men and the shepherd admonishes us to exercise
thoughtful, loving kindness and patience. We are led by ways we know now, but if we are earnest,
conscientious and walk in the Light as it is given us, then we may safely trust the results in the hands of
Him who does all things well.

E-5
2009 Supreme Book of Ceremonies – Section E

MASONIC TRIBUTE

SUGGESTIONS:
1. This ceremony may be performed at a regular Bethel meeting when there is a special night to honor
Masons.
2. It may be used as an exemplification to a Masonic Lodge.
3. It may be used at a Masonic Installation in which case the phrases in parentheses would be used.

The Bethel Guardian and the Associate Bethel Guardian, accompanied by the Guide and the Marshal
enter the room and proceed on the North and South Lines to the East Line. They all turn toward the center.
Guide and Marshal stop in front of the Custodians’ chairs and face each other. The Bethel Guardian and
Associate Bethel Guardian ascend the Dais. As they turn west, the Guide and Marshal also turn west.
BETHEL GUARDIAN: Guide and Marshal, you will retire and present the members of Bethel ___
to the Master Masons of ___Lodge No. ___(and their guests) who have gathered for this special occasion.
The Guide and Marshal return to the North and South Marching Lines and proceed to the Anteroom and
Preparation Room, opening the doors and standing at the front of the line of officers. They proceed on the North
and South Marching Lines and form the Square and Compass formation (See Diagram 49). The line-up is as
follows:

Preparation Room Anteroom

Marshal Guide
Outer Guard Inner Guard
2nd Messenger 5th Messenger
4th Messenger 1st Messenger
3rd Messenger Treasurer
Chaplain Recorder
Librarian Junior Princess
Senior Princess Honored Queen
Senior Custodian Junior Custodian

As the Officers enter the Narrator begins to read.

FIRST NARRATOR: Through the centuries, one group of men has taught a higher meaning of life
and promoted free thinking. They are the Master Masons. We honor the members and (new Officers) of
___Lodge (at the installation of their ___ (year) officers) for their work in continuing this honorable
commitment.
For the members of Bethel ___, Master Masons represent the strong values of loving one another
and helping one another – the tenets of Masonry that are shared by Job’s Daughters International. The
basis of our Order is found in the Book of Job, 42nd Chapter, 15th
Verse: “And in all the land were no women found so fair as the daughters of Job and their father
gave them inheritance among their brethren.”
Tonight we emphasize the latter part of that quotation, “…and their father gave them inheritance
among their brethren.” To become a Job’s Daughter a girl must be related to a Master Mason. That is
the inheritance she receives from you. This kinship is a special one. Therefore, we share not only a
commitment to a common set of values, but also a common heritage.
SECOND NARRATOR: The members of Bethel ___ have formed the Square and Compass – the
symbol of Freemasonry. In honor of ___, Worshipful Master of ___ Lodge, we form the square, the
emblem of his office, which calls Masons to square their actions by the square of virtue. Just as the
Worshipful Master is charged to teach morality, the members of Job’s Daughters are committed to live a
virtuous life as stated in our motto, “Virtue is a quality which highly adorns woman.” The Chaplain,
Treasurer and the five Messengers comprise the Square and represent the virtues of piety, honesty and
reverence for our Creator.

E-6
2009 Supreme Book of Ceremonies – Section E

FIRST NARRATOR: To the members of ___ Lodge, we dedicate our formation of the Compass
which circumscribes the bounds for the moral application of the teachings of Masonry. In our Compass
you will find the elected officers as well as other officers. This implies the equality of each of us, and that
the same parameters apply to each of us no matter what our station in life may be. Members of ___
Lodge, you have hewn a smooth cornerstone, free of imperfections, upon which is built a solid foundation
for the protective walls that will enclose the members of Bethel ___. We use you as an example as we
strive to live up to the Masonic principles you represent. Job’s Daughters hold you in great respect, and
at each meeting we recognize your influence by praying, “…bless and protect the Master Masons who
give us heritage.” ___Lodge and Bethel ___ are united in purpose and philosophy, and tonight (on this
special occasion) we celebrate our togetherness.

E-7